Sydney’s Fashion’s Night Out Ensemble

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Jacket: ASOS, Leggings: Lululemon, Necklace: via Cusp, Shoes: Zara, Handbag: Mulberry, Sunglasses: Emporio Armani 

I wore this outfit to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out with a group of friends over browsing, shopping, picture-taking and eating. No matter where in the world you celebrate the kick off of Fashion Week, FNO provides a global connection. I received this ASOS blazer in the mail about 10 minutes before leaving for FNO. It looked even better in person than it did online, which is quite rare in the world of online shopping (for me at least). Plus, it actually fits–no returns! My favorite kind of patterns are animal prints, so I love how this version is abstract, metallic, and super colorful, making for a special piece in my wardrobe. It made for the perfect pop of color, so there was no question of wearing it for one of the biggest nights in fashion. I wanted to be comfortable and settled for my favorite denim button down (I think it’s time for another…maybe a polka dot one?) and leggings, but I made sure to add some elements of glamour with my oversized and ultra sparkly necklace and rose gold bag. Notice anything different than usual? My hair is up! This is such a rarity, but it felt appropriate for this look. More NYFW coverage. Strut, strut, strut!

with style,

S

(photography: Chris Hughes)

Sydney Brooches To The Classics

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Pants: James Jeans, Shoes: ModCloth, Brooch: Antique 

Denim button downs are quite the controversial topic in my family. The femmes of the older generation seem to despise them, where the younger generation simply adores them; I still run to my worn-in version when I want to be comfortable in something that is unstructured.

What I love most about denim button downs is how they can be worn in so many different ways: with a pair of lace shorts, a bright maxi skirt, tucked into a tweed mini skirt, unbuttoned as a jacket around a LBD, or simply with different colored jeans.

I decided to spice up my Wednesday dud with a classic, antique brooch that I found hidden behind my chunky jewelry in my drawer. I love the different colored stones and how much it sparkles when the light hits it.

You might find it surprising, but brooches are in this season. They can substitute your statement necklaces (not too often, of course) with their bold colors, design and glamour.

It’s fun to experiment with the placement of your brooch as the options are endless. Some tend to place brooches in the most unexpected places, like on a silk scarf or purse, but I like to place mine right over my top pocket for an accentuated look.

I was also happy to slip back into my Kicks and Tell Wedges, which I haven’t worn since my trip to LA. They are the ultimate go-to for creating an element of surprise with its print that simply speaks for itself, high platform heel and pastel hues.

with style,

S

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Style Solutions readers! Last night was filled with fun, joy, and excitement. I went to our club for a New Years gala with 500 attendees. I’ve gone almost every year since I was born and it is truly the most amazing party. The evening starts outside with cocktail hour: passed around hors d’oeuvres and risotto, foie gras, and caviar bars. After an hour, attendees are brought to the grand ballroom, which is the most beautiful room-no exaggeration (think Palace of Versailles). There was an amazing band, lots of lights, giant screens going back and forth from the band to Lady Gaga in NYC, lots of dancing, and delicious food. My favorite was the dessert, baked alaska, brought out with sparklers by waiters in a line all around the ballroom. The evening didn’t end at 12-there was a breakfast buffet and an after party, which is always perfect. (photo credit: mitchell sozio)

It seemed as though the old timers wore long dresses and the young wore short. I love a great gown (classic, elegant) but I wanted to go all-out in a short frock. I wore a purple Urban Outfitters dress embellished with purple, orange, and pink stones. I brought out the pink stones by pairing the dress with pink suede B Brian Atwood high heel sandals, and brought out the purple stones with a purple and black clutch from Endless.com.

Last night was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait for all that’s new and exciting for Style Solutions. I’m going home tomorrow, so I’m going to enjoy my last day with some fun in the sun, but not before brunch at home. Enjoy your New Year’s day!

with style,

S

Sydney’s First Holiday Look Of The Season

sydney on broadway & spring

Stunning weather, busy streets, and lots of stores to shop in.  The holiday season is my favorite time of year, especially in New York City.  From the music playing everywhere, the fabulous store windows, the Salvation Army men jingling their bells for donations on the streets, to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller center waiting to be lit are some of my favorite parts about the holidays here in NYC.  Not to mention, the amazing holiday shows like The Nutcracker and The Rockettes, which I will see later on in the season.

I always like to be a bit more dressed and holiday-like at this time of year with richer fabrics and colors. The sales have been pretty good this weekend, although it seems like people did more of their Black Friday shopping online rather than in the stores themselves.  I made the majority of my purchases yesterday, and I felt that each one was smart: a second pair of my favorite Via Spiga boots (30% off the sale price) and some blouses from Zara, just to name a few.

It felt like I walked around all neighborhoods of the city yesterday–maybe not all, but quite a few–from morning til’ night.  To suit my Saturday plans, I wore an outfit that was comfortable enough to walk around in all day yet dressy enough to go out for dinner in.

Coat: Topshop, Top: Madison Marcus, Skirt: BCBG, Tights: Wolford, Leg warmers: H&M, Boots: Via Spiga, Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff, Hat: Topshop, Gloves: Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses: Velvet Eyewear, Bracelets: Hermes and House Of Harlow 1960.

I am absolutely obsessed with my forrest green cheetah fingerless gloves–plus, you can see my Happy Birthday painted fingernails.  The gloves are so on trend, and they added the perfect finishing touch to this outfit.  I also love my new “floppy” Topshop hat, which although is a bit dramatic and not suitable for all occasions, is still a fun piece for those dressier holiday looks.

topshop, $50

It’s crazy to think that reality falls back in its place tomorrow.  Time flies by, and although the work week is about to begin, there are some more holiday festivities to look forward to like the Christmas Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center on Wednesday.

with style,

S

Sydney and Her Friends Hit The Ice

Last night, me and my best group of friends spent our evening at Wollman Rink for an iceskating party.  The weather man first called for rain, yet it was perfectly clear but extremely warm!  Skating in 65 degrees, you think you’d be skating in melted ice.  Luckily that didn’t happen.  But honestly, what happened to autumn?!

While some dressed like a winter storm was about to hit -with fur hats, puffy jackets, and heavy scarves-, we at least made it through the evening without any broken bones.  We even managed to skate the rink all together to The Time, (the Black Eyed Peas version, obviously) which is a song we collectively enjoy.  The only thing that was missing were the Wollman Rink candy apples, which were MIA.

I’ve always had a love for iceskating, but I seemed to have forgetten everything I knew when I first got on the rink.  But after about a half an hour, I got back to my usual groove.  I’m ready to hit the rink again on Sunday.

For the most stylish ice skater, here are 3 accessories that are fashionable, and almost all practical, for a fun and trendy look on the rink.

with style,

S

Dsquared²

Diane Von Furstenberg

Urban Outfitters

3 Sweaters Under $200

It’s getting to be that time of year when I realize I can no longer pull off days of not wearing a jacket.  As the temperatures start to be more in the 40s & 50s and less in the 60s & 70s, a warm, stylish, and comfortable sweater sounds very appealing.  Though this is not to say I won’t be wearing my favorite blouses or sequin sleeveless shirts for a night out.  It’s all about a balance.

I decided to take a shopping trip down to Zara this afternoon as I felt like a little shopping pick-me-up after a long week of work.  To be honest, I could’ve been in any store and felt completely satisfied.  I ended up buying a a sweater that was simple yet chic, which I’ll blog about once I wear it.  Sweaters tend to be pricey, as do the majority of fall/winter clothes compared to spring/summer clothes, but with a little time, and the beauty of the internet, 3 fab sweaters under $200 can be found.

forever21 $25

urban outfitters $59

tbags $172

Heinz City

It’s the last week of summer, and I’m slowly gearing away from summery clothes and accessories.  The chillier it gets, the more I can’t take my eyes off of those fun boots, animal print must-haves, and dark nail polish.  While I’ve been in Pittsburgh, I’ve found myself mixing a few of my new fall pieces with some of my older summer items to create fun transitional outfits.

Today, I decided to give my bright fire engine red J Brand skinny jeans a wear, since in just a few weeks, I’ll have to switch to some heavier denims.  One fun fact about Pittsburgh that you may not know is that it has been the global headquarters for Heinz for over a century.  I definitely feel like I’m a representative in this tomato-like shade today!

I paired my jeans with a fall loose-knit sweater, my favorite Giuseppe Zanotti silver rhinestone sandals with rose-gold hardware, rose-gold crystal hoops, and a few silver bangles.  I don’t walk too much while I’m here -it’s definitely a driving city- so I find myself just dumping my things in the vintage Mercedes car that I’m driving while I’m here instead of carrying a purse.

In the midst of my stay, I realized that I was desperately in need of a pedicure.  Whenever I come to Pittsburgh, I get my nails done with the same woman who has done four generations of women in my family.  Her name is Linda, she has an old fashioned looking nail salon, and she is the best.  Linda never fails to have the latest nail polishes, so I was happy to find some fab new shades in her assortment.  I decide to go with OPI‘s “roadhouse blues”, a polish from the fall collection, Touring America.  The color is a dark dusty indigo creme (although it looks rather black on my feet in the photo), and is somewhat in between blue and purple; I’m obsessed.

So what did I do in this outfit today?  I went out with my mom’s best friend to South Side to have lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, and walked around; stores in this outdoor mall include BCBG and Urban Outfitters.  I didn’t shop, but I browsed, and was just happy to walk as I’m not used to all of this driving!